Positive Attitude?  Phooey! Don't take me wrong.  I'll always choose the positive attitude person over the down-in-the mouth person.  In fact, I live my life keeping 'those' people away from me. BUT, I don't think having a positive attitude is nearly enough.  It feels good to say it.  It feels good to think it. I really like positive DOer's.  These people get under the surface and go to the root of positive.  They are not idle.  They see a good idea and go after it; confident that they will find a way to get the job done. Yep, give me a Do'er and watch things happen!!        12/27/2010

Are You a Visual Person? I don't know about you, but if I can SEE my progress I am much more effective.  I read a lot, books, stories, lessons, etc.  But when I go to set and accomplish a goal, I need to SEE it. One of my projects for this holiday has been to create a board (cork).  Right now I have divided it into three different sections. Top:  I decided how many listings I want to take this year.  I then made a square for each listing.  Each time I get a listing, I place a green stick pin in it. Bottom:  The same for sales. Middle:  The section I consider the most important, at least for me.  I have seven large squares--Mon/Tues/Wed.........Sun.  What are they for?  APPOINTMENTS!!  I have given myself a minimum of five each week.  For these I bought extra large push pins.  I want to ... 12/26/2010

Today & Tomorrow. Do work-related items today or tomorrow----none whatsoever.  It should be in your business plan!!!! WORK FREE FLY ZONE.  (<:   12/24/2010

What One Goal Are You Most Proud of in 2010?                     T O U C H D O W N!!!!!!!!! We ALL do this?  We want to improve our lives; the lives of someone around us; more sales; the list goes on endlessly. I would like to hear about the goal that, when you look back on it, makes you fill up with pride.  Small, medium, large; it doesn't matter. For me, I think it was seeing my efforts to lead my office to be the first one outside of Texas to achieve 100% agent Greensheet Donations to KW Cares.  We have almost 700 offices, to give you some perspective.  We are only the 2nd office to achieve that distinction. For those of you not familiar, KW Cares is a fund set up within our company for the sole purpose of financially helping someone in the KW company-wide Family in times of crisis. 12/23/2010

What's on the Other Side of the Turbulence & Terror? I have NO idea why this memory came to me this morning; but, I decided there is a good lesson here. When I was around 10 or 11, living in the Texas Panhandle, my Dad & I went to a friend's farm one afternoon to ride horses.  The truth is, I believe it was my first time.  And this was NOT a nag of a horse!! Well, we all walked our horses for a while, then turned around to go back.  We hadn't gone far when my horse started running.  Did I say run?  How about rocketed!  I was terrified and no amount of pulling on the reins would slow him down. Then, an amazing discovery.  Sitting astride a horse at full gallop is like sliding across an ice rink.  Silky smooth, a really beautiful feeling. What occured to me this morning is that that ride ... 12/22/2010

A story in today’s Washington Post about rising area rents reinforces what I have been telling my clients who are real estate investors for the past six months. If you’ve been thinking about investing in Arlington, VA, real estate, now could be a great time to buy a rental property. 3 Reasons Why Now is a Good Time to Invest in Arlington Real Estate 1. Low mortgage rates that are starting to rise. Rates, while still at historical lows, have been creeping back up from last month’s record lows. 2. Good value in home prices in a real estate market that is recovering. Median home prices in Arlington County were up 12% in November from one year ago. 3. Rising rental rates. The Post story, citing a Delta Associates study, says that DC-area apartment rents are at 20-year highs, having increas... 12/21/2010

This Time of the Year Confuses Me. The end of the year is a confusing & conflicting time for me.  I want to enter the new year with a clean slate so I try to tie up the loose ends.  I also want to relax and enjoy the end of the year festivities. I want to recharge my inner batteries; at the same time I want to have my business plan in shape for the coming year. I want my cake and eat it too!! So, I came up with a plan that helped quite a bit.  I do 90% of my next year's business planning in October.  And, come December 23rd if it isn't finished and isn't life-threatening---too bad!  It's time to enjoy a slice of life!! 12/21/2010

Typical Causes of Settlement Delays.   What Typically Causes Delayed Settlements? #1 For me-- loan underwriting taking longer than expected #2 Appraisal issues, especially in the past 3 years #3 Short Sale process #4 Buyer did not take the issue of 'timeliness' seriously. #5. Anything else you can think of. I believe the key is for us, as agents, to be constantly following up with our clients to make sure they are doing due diligence.  Sometimes, as the listing agent, that means keeping the pressure on the sales agent if you feel that don't have a good sense of what is supposed to be done. Does anyone out there have a particular problem I haven't listed that seems to crop up more than usual?  If so, I would like to hear     12/14/2010

Recently, a seller/buyer of mine backed out of the perfect home for her.   And it was 100% the right thing to do.  The condo was a good price, great layout, wonderful condition and location, but it came with many obstacles, and finally one too many to make it a viable home.  We had seen dozens of other homes and this one really suited her needs and wants perfectly.  Here's how we tried to make it work and why we eventually bailed. Obstacle #1: It was nearly impossible to show.  The condo was tenant occupied and they wanted exactly 24 hours notice.  I tried giving 48 plus, but that was not good enough.  I had to call exactly the day before/time before I wanted to show.  I found this to be difficult, as my client was not sure when she could go.  So I tried telling the agent on Monday that... 12/14/2010

Just Try Harder. Has anyone told you, when you are trying and trying with no result, to "try harder"?  We all have.  And we have all had this thought. Did trying harder solve the problem?  Almost never.  I once heard a story about a fly.  This fly was in a room and wanted out, really bad.  He kept battering himself against the window over and over and over.  Same result--no progress. Now, this fly could see outside; just where he wanted to go.  But give the fly his credit, he wouldn't give up and kept trying and trying and trying until he just couldn't try any longer.  Eventually....he did.  And his goal was still right there in sight. Hard working and determined.  Great qualities.  However, if that hard-working and determined fly would have turned around just 110 degress he would have ... 12/12/2010

For the latest in real estate market activity for Northern Virginia, watch this informative video from the MRIS/multiple listing system. These are broad county-wide trends. Remember: all real estate is local, hyper-local in some cases. If you are planning to buy or sell a home in Arlington, the market dynamics are not the same as in Leesburg. Consult with an experienced local Realtor® first to understand the trends that will most affect you. 12/10/2010

Why I Network.   A few years ago I was very active in the local Chamber of Commerce.  I joined specifically to network and grow my business.  I completely enjoyed my time, but it did not work out and I eventually drifted on, as we usually do. Fast forward to today.  I have a co-op listing hung up in the approval process because the buyer is using his LLC, and the buildings attorney must approve the LLC.  We've been waiting for 2 weeks---2 weeks PAST settlement date. I'm a bit riled under the collar; call the building, and tell them I want the name/number for the attorney.  Turns out he remembers me from the Chamber days.  Problem will be resolved by Monday. It pays to know and meet people!!!   12/09/2010

  Arlington  Virginia   Short Sales Expert Specialist QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Q: Will I still owe my lender money after my short sale? Part of our negotiation services includes trying to get the lender to forgive the balance owed after a short sale. We also incorporate the HAFA Program into this. We will work to get the lender to renounce the remaining debt, however there is no guarantee because of the number of factors involved and who are the players. . . In general, we will always ask to get a complete removal of any future deficiencies for all our clients.   Q: How long does the process of a short sale take from start to finish? The short sale process typically takes between 3 to 6 months. Depending on the servicer of your loan. Typically we advise our clients not to expect an answer ... 12/07/2010

Attitude.  Attitude.  Attitude. If you read my blogs you will get to know that I believe in having an attitude.  A 'can do' 'will do' attitude.  I had to draw on this practice yesterday morning----hard. A listing offer fell apart---because of my client.  Looks like a lawsuit is in the future.  When I went outside yesterday a.m. the temperature was in the 20's.  When arriving home the night before I noticed the gas gauge was sitting on empty.  No problem, gas station is very close.  BUT, because the truck was sitting at the wrong angle, the gas line would not pick up any gas.  And because of the cold, the battery ran down! Luckily, I own a battery charger; hooked it  up; walked to the station for gas.  FINALLY, I was on my way. REALLY FOUL MOOD!  But as I drove, I said to myself "I don't... 12/07/2010

Arlington, VA single-family neighborhood near East Falls Church Metro: Madison Manor.  The Northern Virginia suburbs offer so many eclectic, culturally diverse, thriving neighborhoods with easy commutes to Washington, D.C.  If you're looking for a place to live with that community feel, stress -free commuting, close to East Falls Church Metro and 10 minutes from DC, check out Madison Manor in North Arlington, VA.  Located less than one mile from the East Falls Church Metro Station, between Route 50 and I-66, Madison Manor, with it's winding, tree-lined streets, modestly-sized brick homes, community park and direct access to the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) and Four Mile Run Bike Paths, is ideal for anyone looking for a community feel and a break from the traffic congestion of the ... 12/06/2010

New Realtors--You'll never know what to expect. In early June of this year, I listed a home for a repeat client.  Aug-Sep-Oct?  Still no offers.   Much gnashing of teeth from the sellers over the weeks wanting to know why their home wasn't selling.  November, they tell me to take it off the market during the holidays.  I convince them to wait until the 22nd.  November 17th--we receive a full-price ($754,000) offer with a $15,000 seller contribution.  Ratified. After the home inspection, the buyer's want another $1800 seller concession to make repairs to the fireplace, as well as some electrical items. My clients refuse.  I go back and work it out to drop the chimney repairs (the seller's have been strongly notified by me that, regardless of whether it is now or later, they will have to ... 12/05/2010

KW Cares--My Personal Campaign--Let's Start a Revolution! Keller Williams Agents..... I'm on a quest.  I led the drive in the past year in our Arlington VA office to become the first market center outside of Austin to be 100% contributors to KWCares.  It took almost nine months; BUT, WE DID IT! WHY did I start doing this?  It's kinda' funny really.  Last August I was in the hospital for a week having a little wrestling match with cancer, released on saturday morning.  On Tuesday, at the weekly sales meeting, our TL happened to put up on the screen the contributors to KWCares....all 4-5 of us.  Out of 70+ agents at the time (we are now over 100). It pis..d me off!  Here's why:  We are the ONLY real estate company I am aware of who has a company-wide forum to help our OWN AGENTS who may g... 12/04/2010

It is Cold & Rainy Today and I....  want to stay in bed and not work!  You know what I'm talking about don't you?  Probably feel that way yourself today if you are here in the Northeast. But.....it's not going to happen; in fact, I'm going to push myself to have a really productive day just to prove that I can overcome these feelings of listlessness.  And, I'm going to do it because I know so many others out there will find reasons to stay in and not produce. I'm going to get their business!!! 11/30/2010

Qualifying the Listing Lead. First of all.....TIME IS YOUR ENEMY!  Generated or referral leads must be followed up immediately.  They won't wait for you, even referrals.  Do NOT begin your phone interview by telling them how wonderful you are!  They don't care.  Start asking questions about THEM; open-ended questions (questions that will make them talk): Why are they selling? Where do they want to move to? Who referred them? How did they hear about you? Tell me about the house? What improvements have they made? You want THEM to do the TALKING!!  Remember, it's all about them, not you (important note:  in this electronic age, they have probably visited your website and know all they want to know about you).  People love to talk about themselves, and they will if you will allow them to. F... 11/29/2010

Yes, I'm Drinking The Darn Coolade!  Wanna' Make Something of It? I know you have all done it.  You start talking about how much you like your company and someone invariably says "So they have you drinking the coolaide, huh"?  And then we start backtracking and stammering that no, we just like the way our company does things.  It embarrasses us to admit that yes, we do like our company. Well, I for one am saying (OUT LOUD) "Heck YES I'm drinking the coolade!!  And what's more, I'm going to drink a whole lot more of it.  Wanna make something out of it?"  "I'm proud, and what's more, I feel sorry for you that you don't think enough of your own company to brag about it.  So, don't try to shove your own regrets over on me because I'm not joining your 'sea of negativity'. So, how do you fee... 11/29/2010